Carib Scope

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  • #Champs2026: Hydel’s Zavien Bernard wins girls’ triple jump

    #Champs2026: Hydel’s Zavien Bernard wins girls’ triple jump

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a stunning display of athletic prowess and competitive resilience, Hydel High School’s Zavien Bernard captured her second gold medal within twenty-four hours at the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. The dramatic climax unfolded on Friday at the National Stadium, where Bernard delivered a championship-winning performance in the triple jump open event.

    Facing intense pressure in the final round, Bernard found herself momentarily displaced from the top position by her own teammate, Sabrina Atkinson. Atkinson had electrified the stadium with a massive personal best leap of 12.43 meters, catapulting from fourth place into the provisional lead. Undeterred, Bernard responded with sheer brilliance on her very last attempt. Soaring to a new personal record of 12.65 meters, she snatched back the victory with the final jump of the entire competition, cementing her status as a dual champion.

    This triumphant moment followed her gold medal achievement in the Class 1 long jump just the day before, showcasing her remarkable versatility. The competition also featured a standout performance from Edwin Allen High’s Akaylea Brown, who completed an exceptional daily double. After securing gold in the Class 1 high jump earlier that day, Brown added a bronze medal in the triple jump with a lifetime best effort of 12.17 meters, further highlighting the exceptional talent on display at the national championships.

  • Winston Jones High triumphs in regional NSLIP Mathematics Competition

    Winston Jones High triumphs in regional NSLIP Mathematics Competition

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Winston Jones High School has achieved remarkable academic distinction by securing top honors in Jamaica’s Regional National School Learning and Intervention Plan (NSLIP) Mathematics Competition. The institution’s mathematics team demonstrated extraordinary proficiency in numerical reasoning, analytical thinking, and complex problem-solving, earning them the championship title.

    School administrators highlighted that the victory was made possible through the concerted efforts of dedicated educators and the unwavering determination of the students. The NSLIP program, an initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, is designed to enhance student outcomes in fundamental academic disciplines, with mathematics being a primary focus.

    Acting Principal Shane Henry emphasized that this accomplishment underscores the resilience of the student body and the effectiveness of structured educational support systems. The competition itself serves as an avenue for students to engage with rigorous academic challenges in an environment that promotes scholarly achievement and intellectual growth.

    Winston Jones High also acknowledged the valuable participation of competing schools, noting that their involvement elevated the event’s competitive spirit and emphasized the significance of collaboration and perseverance in education. This achievement arrives at an opportune moment, providing both inspiration and validation to students as they prepare for upcoming external examinations.

    Guided by the school’s motto, ‘Prayer and Work Conquer All,’ educators reaffirm their commitment to fostering academic excellence and enabling students to realize their fullest potential.

  • St Elizabeth health services returning to normal after Hurricane Melissa

    St Elizabeth health services returning to normal after Hurricane Melissa

    ST JAMES, Jamaica — Healthcare infrastructure in St Elizabeth parish is approaching full operational normalization following extensive damage from Hurricane Melissa, with nearly all medical services having transitioned back to permanent facilities after months of temporary tent-based operations.

    Dr. Carol Hamilton, medical expert at the St Elizabeth Health Department, provided a comprehensive recovery update during the March 12 monthly meeting of the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation in Santa Cruz. She reported substantial progress in rebuilding the parish’s primary healthcare network, which suffered significant damage when ten health centers and departmental sections were impacted during the Category-Five hurricane.

    The Black River Health Centre remains the sole facility continuing temporary tent operations while restoration work progresses. Renovations at the New Market Health Centre have reached completion, with final cleaning and electrical installations underway before full public reopening. Three facilities—Ginger Hill, Springfield, and Prospect Health Centres—continue providing healthcare services despite operating without electrical power.

    Public health authorities have implemented aggressive mosquito control measures addressing post-hurricane disease risks. The parish’s Aedes index—a critical metric for mosquito-borne disease risk including dengue—showed encouraging improvement at 10.97% in February. This represents a significant decline from November’s 12.7% and December’s 15.4% readings recorded immediately following the hurricane.

    Dr. Hamilton praised environmental teams conducting twice-daily fogging operations to maintain mosquito population control. Health officials are targeting a reduction below the pre-hurricane benchmark of 6% for the Aedes index.

    With influenza season continuing through March, health authorities recommend precautionary measures including available vaccinations at all health centers. Vulnerable populations, particularly elderly residents and individuals with chronic health conditions, are advised to continue mask-wearing in crowded environments.

  • US offering millions plus possible relocation as reward for information on Haitian gangs

    US offering millions plus possible relocation as reward for information on Haitian gangs

    The United States Department of State has announced a substantial financial incentive program targeting the economic foundations of two Haitian criminal organizations designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Through its Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, Washington is offering up to US$3 million for intelligence that leads to the disruption of financial mechanisms supporting Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif gangs, including potential relocation for informants.

    Viv Ansanm, established in September 2023 through the merger of Haiti’s two dominant gang factions (G-9 and G-Pép), has been identified as responsible for systematic violence against governmental institutions, including coordinated attacks on prisons, police stations, hospitals, and Port-au-Prince’s international airport. This campaign of organized terror directly contributed to the resignation of then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry in April 2024. The alliance stands accused of mass murder, collective rape of Haitian civilians, and violence against American citizens, financing operations through arms trafficking, forced recruitment of minors, and systematic extortion networks.

    Simultaneously, Gran Grif, characterized as the largest criminal enterprise in Haiti’s Artibonite department, operates under the leadership of former Haitian legislator Prophane Victor. Since its formation in 2016, the organization has evolved from a politically-motivated armed group into a sophisticated criminal network. Their activities include direct assaults on Haitian National Police and United Nations-authorized security forces, notably a February 2025 attack that resulted in the death of a Kenyan MSS mission officer. The gang engages in widespread human rights violations including child recruitment, mass abductions, sexual violence against women and children, and agricultural theft.

    The reward initiative specifically seeks information regarding the gangs’ revenue streams, including business operations, bank accounts, investment portfolios, and financial facilitators. Washington is additionally soliciting intelligence on donor contributions, significant financial transactions benefiting these groups, front companies operating on their behalf, and details concerning arms, ammunition, and drone transfers. This comprehensive approach targets the entire financial ecosystem sustaining terrorist activities in Haiti.

  • Athletes’ Village a big hit at Champs

    Athletes’ Village a big hit at Champs

    GRACE Foods has significantly elevated the participant experience at the 2026 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletic Championships through its innovative Athletes’ Village initiative. As the prestigious sporting event concludes at Jamaica’s National Stadium, the GraceKennedy subsidiary has reinforced its decades-long dedication to nurturing youth athletic talent and fostering national pride.

    Operating under its ‘Good Move’ development agenda, the company established a comprehensive sanctuary for competitors from all participating schools. This dedicated facility provided essential services for physical recovery, nutritional support, and mental relaxation throughout the five-day championship period.

    Brand Manager Ingrid Medwinter emphasized the company’s enduring commitment: “Grace has consistently supported athlete development in Jamaica, with our nearly twenty-year sponsorship of Champs reflecting this ongoing dedication. This championship has served as the foundation for many Jamaican athletic legends, and we take pride in strengthening that legacy.”

    The village addressed a critical need for sustained athlete performance during the extended competition. With events spanning multiple days, the requirement for balanced recovery environments became essential for maintaining peak competitive condition. The facility enabled athletes to physically recuperate, mentally reset, and nutritionally refuel between events.

    Promotions and Events Coordinator Shannon Grant reported overwhelming positive response: “We’ve witnessed firsthand how both athletes and coaches have benefited from this dedicated space. It has provided crucial comfort and support during an exceptionally demanding week, adding genuine value to their championship experience.”

    The comprehensive facility featured multiple specialized zones including hydration stations, Grace Kitchen’s Café, a Mighty Malt nutrition booth, tea station, and gaming lounge areas. Athletes received protein-rich meals featuring Grace sardines, corned beef, and tuna to sustain energy levels and facilitate muscle recovery. Professional physiotherapists provided massage therapy and kinesiologic taping services throughout the event.

    Adding inspirational elements, Grace athlete ambassadors Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Hansle Parchment engaged directly with student athletes, offering encouragement and sharing expertise. Olympic champion Parchment highlighted the village’s significance during his Wednesday visit: “At multi-day competitions like Champs, recovery becomes equally important as performance. Having proper facilities for refueling, resting, and mental resetting creates crucial competitive advantages. Grace’s Athletes’ Village establishes this essential balance, providing the support athletes need to maintain focus and perform optimally.”

    The initiative represents Grace Foods’ holistic approach to athletic development, recognizing that championship success requires both on-track excellence and strategic between-event recovery support.

  • ZIMI Seh Beach takes over Puerto Seco on Sunday

    ZIMI Seh Beach takes over Puerto Seco on Sunday

    In a strategic expansion beyond its established Best Weekend Ever series, ZIMI Entertainment is launching a standalone beach extravaganza at Puerto Seco Beach Club this Sunday. This marks the brand’s first independent beach event since 2022, produced in collaboration with logistics powerhouse Main Event Entertainment Limited.

    Nicholas Mahfood, Director of ZIMI Entertainment, revealed the event will feature innovative aquatic staging with performance platforms and cabanas situated directly in the water. The food-inclusive experience promises to deliver the same high-energy atmosphere and quality execution that has become synonymous with the ZIMI brand.

    The partnership with Main Event represents a calculated growth strategy for the entertainment brand. Mahfood emphasized this expansion mirrors the successful evolution of their other properties: ZIMI Seh Road (2016), ZIMI Seh Riva (2017), and ZIMI Seh Brunch (2018). This aquatic event follows their groundbreaking brunch event at Caymanas Park last January.

    Patrick Scott, Production Manager at Main Event Entertainment, highlighted the technical complexities of producing such events, noting that building stages in open water requires highly trained crews and rigorous safety protocols. The company’s twenty-year logistics expertise provides the foundation for delivering world-class experiences.

    The collaboration emerged after Main Event’s successful venture into production with last May’s Jamaica Auto Show. Mahfood indicated Sunday’s event might feature surprise celebrity appearances, reminiscent of Skippa and Skillibeng’s cameos at last December’s ZIMI Seh Riva event.

    This production sets the stage for ZIMI’s traditional August 9th beach event within the Independence celebration series, demonstrating the brand’s continued innovation in Jamaica’s entertainment landscape.

  • Siblings target javelin glory

    Siblings target javelin glory

    A compelling narrative of familial inspiration and athletic rivalry is set to unfold at the National Stadium as 16-year-old Devaune Freemantle of Vere Technical prepares for the boys’ javelin open final at the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships. The young athlete draws immediate motivation from his sister, Ramona Freemantle, who secured a silver medal in the girls’ javelin event just yesterday.

    The sibling athletes from Ocho Rios, St. Ann, maintain a healthy competitive dynamic while consistently supporting each other’s athletic endeavors. Devaune openly acknowledges following his sister’s path into track and field, recently achieving a personal breakthrough by surpassing the 40-meter mark. His aspiration to medal in today’s competition mirrors his sister’s accomplishment.

    Ramona’s journey to javelin success demonstrates remarkable adaptability. Initially pursuing sprinting where she demonstrated considerable speed, she transitioned to throwing events following an injury setback upon recommendation from a former coach at Vere Technical. This strategic shift has yielded significant results—besides her javelin silver medal, she placed fourth in the Class 1 girls’ discus throw with a distance of 45.79 meters.

    Thursday’s javelin final presented a dramatic contest where Ramona led for extended periods before being narrowly defeated by Immaculate Conception’s Zoelle Jamel on countback after both athletes recorded identical throws of 45.09 meters. This silver medal represents Ramona’s second Champs podium appearance, improving upon her bronze medal performance from the previous year.

    As the athletic spotlight turns to her younger brother, Ramona will be among the spectators, wearing her newly won silver medal and cheering for Devaune to achieve podium success while contributing valuable points to Vere Technical’s overall championship tally.

  • JWN, Xodus ready to thrill for 2026 Carnival

    JWN, Xodus ready to thrill for 2026 Carnival

    The strategic alliance between beverage giant Campari and premier event organizer Dream Entertainment Limited continues to flourish as they launch their fourth consecutive Carnival partnership in Jamaica. Communications Manager Dominic Bell of J Wray & Nephew Limited (Campari’s local subsidiary) characterized the ongoing collaboration with Xodus Carnival as evidence of sustained mutual growth and brand development.

    Bell emphasized that Xodus represents the largest Carnival band in Jamaica, providing Campari with an ideal platform to engage consumers while showcasing the brand’s identity as cool, confident, and sensual within festive environments. The partnership was celebrated at the recent Campari Mixology Experience & Lime event held at the company’s New Kingston headquarters, where specially invited partners enjoyed live musical performances by Laing D, interactive games, and expertly crafted mixed drinks.

    According to Bell, the gathering served as both a relationship-building opportunity and an educational platform for media representatives and influencers to learn about Campari’s signature Carnival offerings. These include Campari Grapefruit, Campari Orange, and the locally favored Rumpari cocktail. The company emphasized responsible consumption practices alongside mixology demonstrations.

    Scott Dunn, Group Managing Director of Dream Entertainment Limited, described the Campari-Xodus collaboration as a ‘power couple’ pairing that consistently delivers maximum results. He noted that Carnival embodies beautiful women, premium drinks, and exceptional entertainment—elements both brands combine to create Jamaica’s most premium week of events.

    This year’s Xodus Carnival adopts the ‘OlympiX’ theme and features an expanded calendar for the 2026 season. The lineup includes the return of Xodus Wet on Easter Monday, Lost in Paradise, Bacchanal J’Ouvert, alongside signature events like Xodus Fete Gala, Xodus Tailgate, and Xodus Remedy. Dunn expressed particular excitement about launching Carnival Week with the Campari Xodus Wet Music Festival, featuring performances by artist Voice and extensive brand activations.

    Dunn attributed Xodus’s continued success to dedicated teamwork and constant innovation, noting that while patrons see the final glory, they rarely witness the extensive preparation behind the scenes. The partnership exemplifies how alcohol brands and entertainment providers can create synergistic relationships that enhance consumer experiences while driving commercial objectives.

  • Troupe: Confidentiality fears driving students away from guidance counsellors

    Troupe: Confidentiality fears driving students away from guidance counsellors

    Jamaica’s education system faces a persistent challenge in overcoming student reluctance to utilize guidance counselling services, according to Dr. Kasan Troupe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information. Speaking at Thursday’s Education Transformation Oversight Committee quarterly briefing at Shortwood Teachers’ College, Dr. Troupe identified deeply entrenched trust issues stemming from misconceptions about confidentiality as the primary barrier.

    The official, drawing from her nine years of experience as a guidance counsellor at The Queen’s School, provided candid insights during a session prompted by a student’s question from Immaculate Conception High School. Dr. Troupe acknowledged the profession has long struggled with perceptions of trustworthiness while explaining the complex ethical dilemmas counsellors face.

    A critical misunderstanding revolves around the non-absolute nature of confidentiality in counselling relationships. Dr. Troupe clarified that guidance professionals operate within strict ethical boundaries that sometimes require disclosure—particularly when students express intentions of self-harm or pose safety concerns. “When a student reveals plans to hurt themselves,” she explained, “the counsellor assumes an additional responsibility to engage other stakeholders for protection purposes. While this may appear as a confidentiality breach, it constitutes a professional obligation.”

    The Ministry recognizes that traditional counselling approaches don’t suit all students, especially those uncomfortable with face-to-face adult conversations. In response, education authorities are developing complementary support structures including enhanced peer-to-peer counselling frameworks and student-led initiatives that operate alongside professional services.

    Dr. Troupe vigorously defended the competence and dedication of practising school counsellors, emphasizing that existing distrust reflects systemic misunderstandings rather than professional inadequacy. The Ministry continues to work toward multidimensional support systems that address both psychological needs and privacy concerns within Jamaica’s educational institutions.

  • MoBay Freezone head supports plan to gradually relocate BPOs

    MoBay Freezone head supports plan to gradually relocate BPOs

    MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — In a significant economic development move, Montego Bay Free Zone (MBFZ) Chairman Mark Hart has endorsed the Jamaican Government’s strategic initiative to relocate business process outsourcing (BPO) operations from the free zone to a specially designated area along the Montego Bay Perimeter Road. This transition aims to address infrastructure modernization challenges and enhance the country’s competitive positioning in the global BPO market.

    Hart, who became one of the inaugural tenants when MBFZ launched in 1989, emphasized that current facilities no longer meet international standards compared to modern campuses emerging in Latin American competitors like Honduras and the Dominican Republic. He noted that these countries have developed sophisticated BPO and light industrial complexes with superior amenities, creating urgent need for Jamaica to upgrade its infrastructure.

    The chairman articulated his support during the Employment Creation Awards ceremony in Montego Bay, aligning with Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s vision outlined during the 2026/27 Budget debate. The government’s plan involves gradually transferring BPO and light industrial activities to purpose-built facilities along the emerging economic corridor of Montego Bay Perimeter Road.

    Hart characterized the relocation as a ‘win-win’ scenario, explaining that the prime oceanfront property currently occupied by BPO operations could be repurposed for high-value resort development and mixed-use projects. Meanwhile, BPO facilities primarily require robust connectivity and road infrastructure rather than premium waterfront locations.

    Prime Minister Holness envisions transforming the liberated Freeport peninsula into a landmark development featuring commercial, retail, and premium residential spaces integrated into Montego Bay’s urban landscape. The centerpiece would be a performing arts theater dedicated to showcasing Jamaican music, folklore, and cultural heritage globally, drawing inspiration from Miami’s celebrated Brickell waterfront.

    Reflecting on MBFZ’s evolution from sportswear manufacturing and basic data processing four decades ago to today’s complex digital operations, Hart emphasized the critical need for advanced facilities to meet sophisticated client requirements. Modern BPO services now encompass complex customer support solutions, financial transactions, healthcare services, and software development—all demanding state-of-the-art infrastructure.

    The chairman also highlighted the imperative to prepare for artificial intelligence integration, noting that while AI’s full impact remains uncertain, it presents substantial opportunities for upskilling and service enhancement rather than wholesale job displacement. Hart urged proactive investment in both physical infrastructure and workforce development to attract companies seeking AI-ready operational environments.